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Casablanca, Morocco

The name Casablanca is more likely to conjure up images of the iconic 1942 film than the Moroccan city itself. But, funnily enough, there were no flights to Casablanca for Humphrey Bogart and the rest of the cast and crew making this wartime classic; the movie was actually shot almost entirely in Hollywood.

With five million inhabitants, Casablanca is Morocco’s – as well as the Maghreb’s – largest city. Yet it is sometimes easy to overlook due to the preconceived idea it’s more of a business hub as opposed to a tourist destination. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

It’s best to book your trip to this Moroccan metropolis with an open mind, because the first thing that will strike you upon arrival is the distinct lack of tourists. Most visitors choose Marrakech or capital city Rabat as their first stop, with many coming to Casablanca just on a day trip. With the likes of the Hassan II Mosque and other stunning architecture to see, they’re missing out.

Casablanca – or Casa as its residents call it – offers the perfect mix of places to see and things to do. Ancient structures and older areas fuse with contemporary neighbourhoods. Moroccans work hard, but know how to relax and enjoy themselves, and the Corniche is where the city really comes to life at night. Locals frequent most of the restaurants and nightlife options here, and the service is always warm and friendly.

Casablanca is also a foodie haven, offering different types of delicious cuisine – ranging from local and fuss-free to French and fancy. Whatever it is that you decide to do in Casablanca, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

What to do in Casablanca

Marvel at the Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque alone is worth a trip to Casablanca. This exquisite place of worship is the largest mosque in Morocco and among the largest in the world. During low tide, take a trip to the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman, which is built on a rock off shore, and surrounded by a tiny, medina-like neighbourhood.

Take a day trip to El Jadida

This tiny port city (also known as the Cité Portugaise or Portuguese City of Mazagan) was named a Unesco World Heritage Site for its stone ramparts enclosing the Portuguese Manueline Church of the Assumption. It’s easy to explore El Jadida in a day as it takes only an hour to get there by train.

Manueline Church of the Assumption
Cité Portugaise
El Jadida

Spend an evening by the ocean

The Casablanca Corniche is where the locals hang out in the evenings, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and lounges lining the shore side. Meanwhile, along the Boulevard de l’Océan Atlantique is where you’ll find the younger crowd frequenting fancy hotel lounges and the new cinema.

Boulevard de l’Océan Atlantique

Go shopping in the souks

Around Old Medina is a souk that sells traditional Moroccan pottery and leather goods. If you’re looking for a market popular with the locals, the Derb Ghallef neighbourhood’s shops and stalls offer everything from jewellery to smoothies.

Souk Derb Ghallef
Between Boulevard Anoual and Boulevard Raphael

Shop at Morocco Mall

Casablanca is home to one of the largest shopping malls in Africa: Morocco Mall. So prepare to part with some serious cash if you’re looking for international high street or designer items. The centre also features a massive aquarium containing exotic fish and other sea creatures.

Sunbathe at the Plage Aïn Diab

Moroccans take their beach time seriously, with hundreds of people making their way to the great Plage Aïn Diab every day. This beautiful seaside location is perfect for people watching, but the best way to truly immerse yourself in the culture is to join in one of the many pickup football games.

Where to eat in Casablanca

La Relais de Paris (French/Seafood)

For a slice of exquisite Parisian culinary heaven, look no further than La Relais de Paris. Focusing on high-quality gourmet fare, this brasserie excels in all things seafood, particularly salmon and swordfish dishes. Try and reserve a table on the terrace – the views are mesmerising.

Restaurant du Port de Pêche (Seafood)

Favoured by locals, this restaurant is a winner for fuss-free and fresh seafood. The menu is full of Moroccan tagines and fried and baked dishes. Best of all, it’s wallet-friendly. Try to get there early as a queue starts forming around 9pm.

Le Port de Pêche
Boulevard des Almohades
+212 522 318 561

Patisserie Bennis Habous (Bakery)

A trip to Casablanca wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the city’s iconic dessert shop. Patisserie Bennis Habous has been around since the 1930s and remains the go-to place for authentic pastries. Be sure to try the sublime kaab el hazal (gazelle’s horns), a flaky pastry filled with almond paste and infused with orange flower water and cinnamon.

Restaurant La Mer (French/Seafood)

Overlooking the coast, La Mer is one of the city’s best lunch spots for French-style seafood. Only the freshest fish and shellfish are used in the bistro’s dishes, with most of it supplied by the nearby port. The place is usually busy, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Boulevard la Corniche
Phar El Hank
+212 522 361 271

La Sqala (Moroccan)

Looking for something more traditional? This quirky little al fresco spot is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Set in what looks like a yellow fort, La Sqala offers a range of Moroccan dishes, with a few European options thrown in for good measure.

Rick’s Cafe (American)

This American restaurant is an institution and a must-visit for anyone who’s a fan of the movie Casablanca. Rick’s is modelled on the 1942 flick’s mythical saloon, and there’s even a pianist to entertain. The film plays silently on screens on the first floor, adding to the ambiance.

Places to stay in Casablanca

Mazagan Beach Resort

An hour out of town, you’ll find the ultimate in five-star luxury and indulgence. The gorgeous Mazagan Beach Resort is set along a 7km of beach and houses 500 rooms, a golf course designed by a former champion, a spa and fitness centre, and activities including horse riding and quad biking.

Hôtel Transatlantique

This hotel, which has been around since the 1920s, has some great history behind it – the legendary French singer Edith Piaf once stayed here. Having been carefully refurbished to preserve its nostalgic ambience, Hôtel Transatlantique is still very much a popular option in Casablanca.

Dar Diafa

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by staying at this gorgeous bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Casablanca. Dar Diafa offers a traditional experience, with the few rooms elegantly designed and decorated in Moroccan textiles. Take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relax in the garden lounge.

Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche

Located only two minutes away from the Old Medina area, the five-star Sofitel Casablanca offers luxurious and spacious rooms. Most of them offer views of the King Hassan II Mosque or the ocean. The hotel also has a large spa offering traditional hammams.

Hôtel & Spa Le Doge

This little hotel has colourful rooms, modern and word art on the walls, and stained glass windows. Another lovely touch is the number of gadgets and gizmos. Le Doge serves a full breakfast every morning in the Art Deco dining room.

Royal Mansour Casablanca

This elegant luxury hotel is located in the heart of Casablanca. The rooms are spacious and stylish, with free Wi-Fi and excellent views of the Old Medina. There’s also a much-admired spa, where you can treat yourself to an indulgent and invigorating hammam.

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